As Anambra state prepares for its crucial governorship election on Saturday, November 8, 2025, political analysts are closely watching the contest between incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and challenger Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Political Landscape
Governor Charles Soludo, who was elected on November 6, 2021, and sworn into office on March 17, 2022, faces a significant challenge from Nicholas Ukachukwu and 14 other candidates seeking to unseat him. While only four of the 16 gubernatorial hopefuls are considered major contenders, the political atmosphere in Awka and across Anambra state has intensified dramatically in the final days before the election.
Growing Federal Influence
The APC's stunning victory in Edo state has demonstrated the party's expanding influence, which could significantly impact the Anambra election. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the current APC National Chairman, has expressed the party's determination to secure more electoral victories across Nigeria. During his acceptance speech in July 2025, Professor Yilwatda pledged to work diligently to unite and expand the party, famously stating: "We are all mechanics of this vehicle, the APC, and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination."
Interestingly, despite Governor Soludo being an open supporter of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian leader's party is actively working to democratically displace him from power, creating a complex political dynamic.
APGA Supporters' Discontent
Internal dissatisfaction within APGA ranks presents another opportunity for the APC. In June 2025, Peter Madubueze, a former member of the house of representatives for Anambra East and West federal constituency, described the nearly two decades of APGA controlling the Anambra state governorship as a "waste" and "complete disaster characterised by huge political deceit."
This public expression of regret from a former party insider highlights the growing discontent among some APGA supporters, which the APC hopes to capitalize on during the election.
Strategic Grassroots Mobilisation
The APC in Anambra state has launched a comprehensive grassroots-driven campaign strategy aimed at empowering everyday community members and volunteers to become the primary force behind the APC movement. This approach has helped build genuine relationships rooted in shared values and could prove decisive in swaying undecided voters.
Party stalwarts have confirmed that this grassroots focus has been central to their electioneering efforts, marking a significant departure from previous campaign methods.
Contrasting Predictions
While the APC appears positioned for a potential upset, not all observers share this view. Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has expressed strong confidence that Soludo will retain power, citing the governor's performance across key sectors including infrastructure, education, and economy.
Ayodele insisted there was no reason for APGA to lose sleep over the polls, maintaining that Soludo's achievements have made Anambra state better.
As voters prepare for the highly anticipated election amid growing anxiety, these five factors—growing federal influence, APGA supporters' discontent, strategic grassroots mobilization, the APC's determined leadership, and the complex relationship between state and federal politics—could combine to deliver an unexpected victory for the APC in a state where they have historically struggled to gain traction.
